2017 tesla model 3

In a series of tweets over the weekend, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed specifications for two dual-motor, all-wheel-drive versions of the Model 3. The higher-performing version will hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, but it won’t be cheap. This performance car will boast a range of 310 miles, which is the same as the current Model 3 with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant with the long-range battery. That model, however, takes 5.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, according to Tesla’s estimates, or 4.8 seconds in our tests. It also has a top speed of 140 mph, in contrast to the new performance variant that can reach 155 mph. The Model 3’s claim to fame is its $35,000 starting price that makes it accessible to a broad range of consumers. But this performance variant will cost around $78,000, according to Musk—and that’s without Autopilot. Musk also claims it’s quicker than a BMW M3. If so, it’s going to have to outperform … [Read more...] about Elon Musk Announces Specs for Tesla Model 3 Performance Variant

Elon Musk reveals specs for dual-motor, all-wheel-drive models Free Price Quote From a Local Dealer View Special Offers No Obligation, Fast & Simple Free New Car Quote Change Car In a series of tweets over the weekend, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed specifications for two dual-motor, all-wheel-drive versions of the Model 3. The higher-performing version will hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, but it won’t be cheap. This performance car will boast a range of 310 miles, which is the same as the current Model 3 with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant with the long-range battery. That model, however, takes 5.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, according to Tesla’s estimates, or 4.8 seconds in our tests. It also has a top speed of 140 mph, in contrast to the new performance variant that can reach 155 mph. The Model 3’s claim to fame is its $35,000 starting price that makes it accessible to a broad range of consumers. But this … [Read more...] about Tesla Model 3 Performance Variant to Hit 60 MPH in 3.5 Seconds

2017 Tesla Model 3 "first production" car, in photo tweeted by Elon Musk on July 9, 2017Enlarge PhotoTesla reported Tuesday that it built 34,494 electric cars in the first quarter of 2018, by far its largest quarterly production total ever. But all eyes were on one number: the production of Model 3 sedans, which was 9,766 vehicles out of that total. Of the rest, 11,730 were Model S hatchback sedans and 10,070 were Model X crossover utility vehicles. DON'T MISS: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range: first drive review of 310-mile electric car For more than eight months after the first Model 3 cars were delivered to buyers at the end of July 2017, Tesla has struggled to get Model 3 production rates up to the numbers promised by CEO Elon Musk. In July, he tweeted that the company would be building 2,500 cars a week by the end of September and 5,000 a week by December 31. Then "production hell" intervened, likely due to the company's very short development cycle and its risky decision to forgo … [Read more...] about Tesla Model 3 production crossed 2,000 last week; is it sustainable?

“The Tesla Model S was a moment. The Model 3 is a product.” That pair of sentences perfectly summarized the several hours we spent last month with the 2018 Tesla Model 3 kindly loaned to us by reader Jeff Southern of Atlanta. We’d covered more than 100 miles on a variety of highways, back roads, and suburban stop-and-go arterials, testing everything from full-on acceleration to cruise control, on routes from straight-ahead six-lane Interstates to twisty mountain back roads. The Tesla Model 3 turns out to be better, in some ways, than its advance press made us fear. Breathless reviews about its amazing abilities led our group of experienced auto reviewers to fear the effects of blinders, hyperbole, or naivete. CHECK OUT: 2018 Tesla Model 3 - full review Our drive reassured us. The Model 3 is an eminently competent electric car that should make owners happy. If the company can fix what appear to be major quality problems, that is. But times have changed, and the Model 3 … [Read more...] about 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range: first drive review of 310-mile electric car

Tesla Model 3 with BMW i3 driver Tom Moloughney, Dec 2017 [photo: Tom Moloughney]Enlarge PhotoGetting an opportunity to road test and review a Tesla Model 3 electric car has thus far proved a very difficult task. Since the Model 3 launched in July, Tesla has only been delivering them to employees, friends of the company, and a handful of prior Tesla owners—and most have been eerily silent about their cars. Though it’s been rumored that those who take delivery must agree not to post on social media about their cars, or give them to journalists to review, the company has denied it. DON'T MISS: Tesla Model 3 video review compares lower-priced electric car to Model S But this month has seen more and more and social-media postings by new Model 3 owners. So, when I was offered the opportunity to spend some time behind the wheel of a recently-delivered Model 3, I didn’t hesitate to accept the generous offer. I’m a first-day Model 3 reservation holder (the Tesla … [Read more...] about Tesla Model 3: impressions of a BMW i3 driver (and reservation holder)